ABSTRACT
Outside the Royal Court less evidence survives for the existence and activities of harpers in the Lowlands and East Coast areas where Scots, rather than Gaelic culture, was dominant. In Aberdeen the Burgh Records of 1398–1407 list a number of musicians, including “Andrea harper” and William harper”. It is possible that these represent early surnames, but the context of the entries suggests that their professional occupations are being described. An example of this is “Meg of Abernethy, harper” who is also listed simply as “Meg of Abernethy”. Another member of her family, Joh. Abernethy, gave 3d to a collection made by the inhabitants of Aberdeen, contributing towards the expenses of an embassy to England as did W. Harper in 1408. 2
